From February 26-28, 2017, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus hosted its African American Legislative Summit. Themed The Bridge to Tomorrow the Summit examined important issues in the African American community including health disparities among African American men, graduation rates in the Black community, leadership issues, interactions with law enforcement, higher education achievement in the Black community, Black business opportunities with electricity and cable companies, Alzheimer’s care and a discussion on school choice among many others. Over 3,500 leaders, students and people of note attended the 3 day event, with free food and thrilling entertainment for all. In addition, notable speakers and performers thrilled attendees and over 60 scholarships totaling $120,000 were awarded to deserving high school students from across Texas at the scholarship banquet and galas. The event was a huge success!

Informative panel discussions addressed a wide range of critical issues including the access and quality of public education, entrepreneurship, human rights, and leadership.

Stay tuned for the 2019 African American Legislative Summit which will surely be better than ever! You won’t want to miss it and your support of this endeavor is greatly appreciated.

Texas African American History Memorial

On Saturday, November 19, 2016, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, State Officials, benefactors, and other special guests unveiled the Texas African American History Memorial at the Capitol.

The monument depicts the contributions of African American Texans to our great state, from slavery, to reconstruction, to the Civil Rights movement, to modern times.

In the last four centuries, black men and women in Texas endured slavery, a civil war, and segregation – a history that sometimes overshadows the community’s contributions to politics, science, and the economic powerhouse that the state has become.

In order for the dream of the African American Historical Monument to come into fruition, the Texas African American History Memorial Foundation was created to raise funds for the construction and dedication of the monument. Under the leadership of Chair Bill Jones, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Rep. Helen Giddings, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and Demetrius G. McDaniel, the Foundation raised over $3 million to support the monument’s completion.

After nearly twenty years of efforts by Texas Legislative Black Caucus members, the stories of struggle, resolve, and triumph of African American Texans stand majestically on our Capitol grounds.

ABout Us

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus was formed in 1973 and consisted of eight members. These founding members were: Rep. Anthony Hall (Houston), Rep. Mickey Leland (Houston), Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Houston), Rep. Craig Washington (Houston), Rep. Sam Hudson (Dallas), Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Dallas), Rep. Paul Ragsdale (Dallas), and Rep. G.J. Sutton (San Antonio). The TLBC is currently composed of 16 Members of the Texas House of Representatives and two Senators of the Texas Senate committed to addressing the issues African Americans face across the State of Texas. Rep. Helen Giddings (Dallas) currently serves as Chair for the 85th Texas Legislative Session.

DONATE

Supporting the mission of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus is a great way to create an impact in the State of Texas. There are numerous ways to give to the TLBC. Your gift will make a difference to the lives of not only the state’s African Americans but all Texans.